bits! Of course he has signed one."

RANDAL.--"Hist! you mistake, you mistake!"

SQUIRE (leaving Randal's arm and seizing Levy's).--"Were you speaking of
Frank Hazeldean?"

BARON.--"My dear sir, excuse me, I never mention names before
strangers."

SQUIRE.--"Strangers again! Man, I am the boy's father Speak out, sir,"
and his hand closed on Levy's arm with the strength of an iron vice.

BARON.--"Gently; you hurt me, sir: but I excuse your feelings. Randal,
you are to blame for leading me into this indiscretion; but I beg
to assure Mr. Hazeldean, that though his son has been a little
extravagant--"

RANDAL.--"Owing chiefly to the arts of an abandoned woman."

BARON.--"Of an abandoned woman;--still he has shown more prudence than
you would suppose; and this very post-obit is a proof of it. A simple
act of that kind has enabled him to pay off bills that were running on
till they would have ruined even the Hazeldean estate; whereas a charge
on the reversion of the Casino--"

SQUIRE.--"He has done it then? He has signed a postobit?"

RANDAL.--"No, no, Levy must be wrong."

BARON.--"My dear Leslie, a man of Mr. Hazeldean's time of life cannot
have your romantic boyish notions. He must allow that Frank has acted
in this like a lad of sense--very good head for business has my young
friend Frank! And the best thing Mr. Hazeldean can do is quietly to
buy up the post-obit, and thus he will place his son henceforth in his
power."

SQUIRE.--"Can I see the deed with my own eyes?"

BARON.--"Certainly, or how could you be induced to buy it up? But on
one condition; you must not betray me to your son. And, indeed, take my
advice, and don't say a word to him on the matter."

SQUIRE.--"Let me see it, let me see it with my own eyes! His mother else
will never believe it--nor will I."

BARON.--"I can call on you this evening."

SQUIRE.--"Now, now!"

BARON.--"You can spare me, Randal; and you yourself can open to Mr.
Egerton the other affair respecting Lansmere. No time should be lost,
lest L'Estrange suggest a candidate."

RANDAL (whispering).--"Never mind me. This is more important."
(Aloud)--"Go with Mr. Hazeldean. My dear kind friend" (to the squire),
"do not let this vex you so much. After all, it is what nine young men
out of ten would do in the same circumstances. And it is best you should
know it; you may save Frank from further ruin, and prevent, perhaps,
this very marriage."

"We will see," exclaimed the squi